How are the six dives required for certification as a NAUI AOW Diver categorized?

For certification as a NAUI Advanced Open Water (AOW) Diver, the six dives are divided into two categories: three required dives and three elective dives.

The three required dives typically include essential skills that ensure divers are prepared for various underwater environments and situations. These dives often cover critical areas such as deep diving, navigation, and buoyancy control. The required dives are designed to ensure a foundational level of competence in essential diving skills critical for safety and effectiveness in diverse conditions.

The three elective dives allow divers to explore additional topics of interest, which can include specialties like night diving, wreck diving, or search and recovery. This structure provides flexibility, allowing divers to tailor their learning experiences according to their personal interests and the types of diving they wish to pursue further.

This categorization emphasizes the importance of both foundational skills and personal development in diving, ensuring that each diver is well-rounded and experienced in various areas.